Plot: The movie focuses on villagers from a small town defending themselves from Japanese invaders using a network of tunnels during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-45).

Social position: It is considered to be one of the first movies to discuss the use of tunnels in war.

2
The film Sparkling Red Star [Photo/Mtime]

2. Sparkling Red Star

Release year: 1974

Producer: August First Film Studio

Plot: It tells the story of Pan Dongzi and his transformation from an innocent teenager to a responsible hero.

Social position: It is considered to be a classic mix of war film, children's film and musical.

The film The Red Detachment of Women [Photo/Mtime]

3. The Red Detachment of Women

Release year: 1961

Producer: Shanghai Film Studio

Plot: Set in the 1930s, it follows two women who go into warfare.

Social position: It was elevated to one of the eight "revolutionary model theatrical works" by the end of 1966.

The film The Red Detachment of Women [Photo/Mtime]

4. Children of Troubled Times

Release year: 1935

Producer: August First Film Studio

Plot: The young poet, Xin Baihe, flees Shanghai with his friend Liang. Liang soon joins the resistance against the Japanese invaders, but Xin chooses to pursue a relationship with a glamorous and westernized widow in Qingdao. After hearing that Liang has been killed, however, Xin has a change of heart and rushes to join the war effort.

Social position: The story itself, with its tale of a wealthy man who learns to abandon the decadence of Western culture for self-sacrifice, was a common theme among films of the period.

The film Letter with Feather [Photo/Mtime]

5. Letter with Feather

Release year: 1954

Producer: Shanghai Film Studio

Plot: A young boy who, through his wits, delivers an important message to the 8th Route Army while evading imperial Japanese forces during the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (1937-45).

Social position: It was extremely popular in China with its message of patriotism to children.